The Bansfield Benefice is the collective name for the Parishes of Cowlinge, Denston, Lidgate, Ousden, Stansfield, Stradishall and Wickhambrook in the Diocese of St Edmundbury and Ipswich, Suffolk, United Kingdom.

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Our news these days seems full of foreboding carrying nothing but woes. If we've not come to tough times already we are promised plenty on the way. Well our notion of hard times finds perspective in the plight of so many of this world's poorest peoples, as well those suffering at this time through conflict and disaster.

Our self-observation "how will we cope" becomes our wonder at others strength in their survival "how do they cope". Our faith asks of us love for one another, that through bearing each other's burdens we will know our Lord Jesus come near. Indeed in this He assures all His followers at the close of Matthew's gospel "I am with you always, to the end of the Age" - with us in joy, with us in sorrow, with us in trial.

Another theme for many in these times is travel, whether at home or abroad and I offer for all a prayer after St Patrick, for those facing trial, for those facing journey's, whether for yourselves or for others in their need; a prayer of protection as each day St Patrick would break camp from temporary shelter in his journeying through the land, bearing the good news of God's presence in each and every day, and considering the more permanent shelter surrounding him in all things through Father Son and Holy Spirit. In the strength of this prayer he built a life of good works in sharing the shelter of his faith with others.

Bind unto yourself the name,
the strong name of the Trinity;
by invocation of the same,
the Three in One and One in Three.
Of whom all nature hath creation;
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
praise the Lord of your salvation,
salvation is of Christ the Lord. Amen.